Jumping The Aisle: How I Became a Black Republican in the Age of Obama, Volume I: Essays (Volume 1) [Large Print] [Paperback]

Oliver McGee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 10, 2012

Progressives fulfilled the hopes of a dozen generations by electing on November 4, 2008 into office the first African American president of the United States. That was the day that — after a lifetime as a progressive — Oliver McGee knew he was openly moving towards becoming a contrarian of the party. He was joining the leagues of generations of Americans who had jumped the aisle and become Republicans. As the party that traditionally and historically embraced conservative ideals, a dominant military complex, and a healthy free-markets competitive system that fueled technological innovation and capitalism, Oliver McGee foresaw the Obama era as a return to government of "hand-outs," "hold-outs," and "heavy-hands" against American free enterprise. This is not to say that the government does not have a role to play alongside churches, charities, and philanthropy in helping those in need. Forasmuch as we all believe, let us give aid and protection to the persecuted, no matter whence or from where they come. Notwithstanding, McGee saw this sweeping new issued-based regulatory change in Washington as one that would set our liberties, efficiencies, and democracy back instead of propelling them forward. This is also not to say that Republicans have all the ideas and answers and are not without responsibility and accountability likewise. Still, the framework upon which the Republican platform is built, in his opinion, is the type of structure we need for a more production-oriented strategy — moving forward united as a country — that is increasingly becoming divided under heavy debt, downgraded sovereignty, and stressed national income. Oliver McGee was an advisor to President Bill Clinton, as the former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation, and a devoted moderate Democrat, who would have been a natural choice to play a role in the Obama White House — but then, something incredible happened. Concerned with issues that he finds are hurling the country into a dangerous morass and malaise, this mechanical engineering professor and expert in jet propulsion — who has studied business, law, and technology at Harvard, MIT, Georgia Tech, Stanford, Wharton, the University of Chicago, University of Cambridge, Ohio State, and The Aspen Institute — approaches political and economic issues in the same manner he addresses everyday scientific questions. He has come up with empirical and anecdotal indications for why our political leaders and present-day policies are doing more harm than good for the struggling country. McGee also found himself to be a somewhat lone voice among blacks. While 95% of black Americans were voting in 2008 for the first black president — some 7% more than the 88% that voted in 2004 for Senator John Kerry (D-MA) — many because they wanted to make history — McGee was warning that sometimes going against the grain of the electorate is warranted. It was also not an easy tide to swim against his family and friends back in 2008, who were rallying behind the hopes and promises of the Obama era. His progressive colleagues did not know what to make of him jumping the aisle, even suggesting what they thought of his decision as pure folly. But, he hung on to his evolving principles and drafted them in “Jumping the Aisle — How I Became a Black Republican in the Age of Obama.” Where he calls for a choice to speak to, listen for, and vote with your own mind — not just your past loyalty to a party or to a history. Inside he puts forth what continues to be our country’s extraordinary outlook on getting to America’s Tercentennial. “Jumping the Aisle” takes a thoughtful, penetrating, and sometimes lighthearted approach to what appears these days to be difficult conversations and subjects, the same way his lectures on jet propulsion have been hailed by students for making “rocket science” understandable and fun for everyone (yes, fun!!!).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Oliver G. McGee III is a teacher, a researcher, an administrator, and an advisor to government, corporations and philanthropy. He is professor of mechanical engineering and former Vice President for Research and Compliance at Howard University, serving as the chief research officer of the 140-year institution, and as a Cabinet-level executive reporting to the Howard University President. Dr. McGee is former Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Inc. The UNCF is the nation’s largest, oldest, most successful and comprehensive minority higher education cooperative financial security and assistance philanthropic organization. Dr. McGee was Professor and former Chair (2001-2005) of the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering & Geodetic Science at Ohio State University. He is the first African-American to hold a professorship and a departmental chair leadership in the century-and-a-quarter history of Ohio State University’s engineering college. Dr. McGee has also held several professorships and research positions at Georgia Tech and MIT. McGee is the former United States (U.S.) Deputy Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Technology Policy (1999-2001) at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and former Senior Policy Advisor (1997-1999) in The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. McGee is a 2012-2013 American Council on Education Fellow, and an American Association of State Colleges & Universities’ (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) Fellow – educational leadership and management development programs for prospective university chancellors and presidents.

Product Details

• Paperback: 334 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 10, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1470146258
• ISBN-13: 978-1470146252
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,521,117 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliance! September 15, 2012

By Larry Searight

Format:Paperback

A rational voice for the American electorate...farsighted and insightful! Dr. Mcgee supports his case with such a wealth of research and thought provoking clarity that it is difficult to refute. A must read for those who hunger for sanity in American politics.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read! September 4, 2012

By Buckeye

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The latest book from Oliver McGee brings the current political climate front and center. It's an entertaining collection of thoughts and wisdom that comes from someone who is a political insider. Caution this book is for "Free Minds Only." If you have some preconceived notion about life as a Liberal or Republican this book may make you think otherwise. Oliver may have jumped the aisle but you will be jumping back to your study to finish it. That is if you ever put it down in the first place.
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Great Job McGee!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart, yet Humorous Read September 2, 2012

By Prolific Jr.

Format:Paperback

So far I have read the first chapter and look forward to reading & learning more! The premise is quite intriguing along with a nicely written, attention-grabbing intro. I love that it's written in a colloquial manner- makes the read much more easier to digest. It's also a smart, yet surprisingly humorous read as well! The list of charts appear to be interesting and I look forward to reviewing them in more detail later.